Cycling: Henderson protects position

Kiwi cyclist Greg Henderson. Photo / Te Awamutu Courier

New Zealand cyclist Greg Henderson continues to more than hold his own in the Tour of Britain.

He finished in the main bunch in the fifth stage today to protect his fourth placing on general classification with three stages remaining.

Henderson, riding for Team Sky, was credited with 16th place in the peloton, with compatriot Jack Bauer, represented Endura Racing, posting the same time in finishing 31st.

Race leader Michael Albasini, of Switzerland, was safely tucked in the bunch three spots ahead of Bauer to retain his overall advantage.

Italy's Marco Frapporti won the 176km stage from Tavistock to Glastonbury with a late solo attack after being part of the eight-rider breakaway that dominated the stage.

He finished in a time of four hours 16 minutes 10 seconds, 9min 18sec ahead of the main bunch featuring the two New Zealanders.

Henderson remains 1min 36sec behind Albasini, with Bauer 15th, 12min 23sec back.

Tomorrow's sixth stage is a 190km ride from King's Lynn to Great Yarmouth.

The tour ends on Sunday (NZT).

- NZPA